Engine. Review the 228 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 43 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Vehicle Speed Control. Review the 40 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

25 crash reports17 fire reports7 injury reports

What owners actually said

353 reports

44,332 miles · Jul 16, 2014

Electrical SystemEngineSteering

WHEN MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN AT SLOW SPEED THE CARS STALLS OUT. TODAY 7/16 IS THE 3RD TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. THE SAME EVENT HAPPENED TWICE IN THE SAME WEEK ABOUT 6 MONTHS AGO THEN NOT AGAIN. THIS SOUNDS TOO SIMILAR TO THE PROBLEMS W/ GM CARS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10611004

5,000 miles · Jul 11, 2014

Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AFTER THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WA…

Read full complaint

NHTSA ODI #10609836

34,100 miles · Jul 8, 2014

Power Train

Read full complaint

WHILE BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE THE CAR SLOWED DOWN AND THEN STOPPED ON ITS OWN, I PRESSED THE GAS AND NOTHING HAPPENED, I THEN SHIFTED TO FORWARD AND THE TRANSMISSION SLAMMED INTO GEAR VIOLENTLY, BUT APPEARED TO FUNCTION NORMALLY. I DID NOTICE AFTERWARD THAT THE "ECO" INDICATOR DID NOT WORK WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. I LATER STOPPED AND RESTARTED THE ENGINE AND IT APPEARED TO FUNCTION NORMALLY AND THE "ECO" LIGHT CAME BACK ON. I PREVIOUSLY HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHEN STOPPED AND THE DEALER HAS NOT FOUND ANY PROBLEMS OR MADE ANY REPAIRS. *JS

NHTSA ODI #10609029

Mileage unknown · Jul 5, 2014

Seat Belts

Read full complaint

A PASSENGER IN THE BACK SEAT WENT TO PUT ON HER SEATBELT AND FOUND THAT THE SHOULDER HARNESS JUST CAME APART MAKING IT COMPLETELY UNUSABLE AND UNSAFE. I WENT TO THE DEALER, FITZGERALD HYUNDAI AND REPORTED THE PROBLEM, EXPECTING THEM TO FIX IT BUT I WAS TOLD IT WAS MY PROBLEM AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE IT FIXED. I WAS SHOCKED AS I BELIEVED THAT A SEAT BELT MALFUNCTION WAS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT ANY DEALER WOULD TAKE IMMEDIATE RESPONSIBILITY FOR. WHEN I INSISTED THAT THE I DID ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO CAUSE THE MALFUNCTION AND THE DEALERSHIP SHOULD FIX IT I WAS TOLD THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO CHECK IT OUT WITH A HIGHER MANAGEMENT LEVEL AND WOULD GET BACK TO ME. I HAVE HAD NO FOLLOW UP FROM FITZGERALD. I FOLLOWED UP TWICE BY EMAIL ONCE USING THEIR OWN WEBSITE FORM HOPING THAT WOULD GET A RESPONSE, BUT STILL NOTHING. I AM NOW CONCERNED THAT THIS ISSUE WITH THE SEATBELT MAY BE A PROBLEM WITH OTHER HYUNDAI OWNERS SO I AM REPORTING THE PROBLEM. I DO NOT USE MY BACK SEAT FOR PASSENGERS VERY OFTEN BUT NEVERTHELESS I FEEL A SEATBELT MALFUNCTION IS A SAFETY CONCERN OF HIGH PRIORITY AND SOMETHING THAT A DEALER SHOULD TAKE CARE OF IMMEDIATELY AND THERE SHOULD BE NO DISPUTE! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10608283

20 miles · Jul 1, 2014

Engine And Engine Cooling

Read full complaint

THIS INCIDENT HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES SO FAR. WHILE DRIVING I START TO REDUCE SPEED. THE SPEED GETS DOWN TO ABOUT 20-25 MPH AND THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY LOSES ALL POWER. IT JUST SHUTS DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING. THERE IS NO POWER STEERING OR ANYTHING. I TURN THE IGNITION TO START THE CAR AGAIN AND IT STARTS NO PROBLEM. I MAY NOT HAVE THE PROBLEM AGAIN FOR ANOTHER MONTH OR SO. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS AND SCARY SITUATION. I PRAY TO GOD THAT IT DOESN'T HAPPEN WHILE I'M TRAVELING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. I ASKED HYUNDAI ABOUT IT AND THEY DIDN'T SEEM TO BE TOO CONCERNED. THEY SAID THERE WEREN'T ANY RECALLS BUT I COULD BRING IT IN TO GET CHECKED OUT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10607349

38,000 miles · Jul 1, 2014

Vehicle Speed Control

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE WARNING INDICATOR. THE VEHICLE WAS MERGED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. UPON RESTARTING, THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMALLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWO TIMES AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER EACH TIME. THE COMPUTERIZED SYSTEM WENT INTO THE LIMP MODE WHICH CAUSED THE THROTTLE BODY SENSOR TO FAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ON THE TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000. UPDATED 08-20-14 *BF UPDATED 09/3/2014 *JS

NHTSA ODI #10607288

40,000 miles · Jun 26, 2014

Electrical SystemEngine

Read full complaint

AFTER DRIVING TO WORK (APPROXIMATELY 27 MINUTES AT SPEEDS UP TO 70+) I PULLED INTO MY WORK PARKING LOT LIKE I HAVE DOWN THOUSANDS OF TIMES BEFORE. I PROCEEDED TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN AND ALL POWER FAILED ON VEHICLE. THE RADIO DISPLAY WENT DEAD AND THE CAR STOPPED MID TURN. IT WAS ALMOST LIKE WHEN YOUR POWER GOES OUT AT HOME DURING A STORM. I TRIED SHIFT THE CAR TO SEE IF IT WOULD WANT TO START BACK UP BUT IT DIDN'T LET THE KEY GO ALL THE WAY TO THE RIGHT LIKE YOU WOULD TO NORMALLY CRANK A VEHICLE. THE PANEL ILLUMINATED ALL ICONS AND LIGHTS (SIMILAR TO A POWER OUTAGE). I TRIED TO START THE CAR A FEW MORE TIMES WHEN FINALLY IT TURNED OVER AND I PULLED TO THE NEAREST PARKING SPACE. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND EXPLAIN WHAT HAPPENED. I HAD ROADSIDE TOW IT TO THE DEALERSHIP (SPORT DURST). AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE ALL DAY, I ARRIVED THERE SLIGHTLY BEFORE 5PM TO DISCUSS WHAT WAS FOUND. THEY PROCEEDED TO SHOW ME A PRINT OUT OF THE COMPUTER READING WHERE IT HAD NO "CODES" PRESENT. I WAS THEN TOLD IF THEY DON'T HAVE A CODE, THEY DON'T KNOW WHERE TO LOOK FOR THE ISSUE. I THEN EXPLAINED THAT I WAS LUCKY THIS TIME THAT I WAS NOT IN TRAFFIC OR THAT ANOTHER CAR WASN'T BEHIND ME OR THAT IT WASN'T AT NIGHT IN AN UNSAFE AREA BUT AS A CAR OWNER WHY AM I EXPECTED TO ROLL THE DICE WITH MY SAFETY?? WHY CAN'T THEY DO WHAT IT TAKES TO GET TO THE BOTTOM OF THE ISSUE. I DON'T LIKE BEING AT ANY DEALERSHIP WASTING MY EVENING HAGGLING WITH THEM MORE THEN THEY DO. THEREFORE I HAVE NO REASON TO MAKE IT UP. THE SERVICE MANAGER TRIED TO EXPLAIN THAT HIS HANDS WERE TIED AND THAT FOR THE WARRANTY TO BE USED TO CHECK ALL POTENTIAL ISSUES (WITHOUT ANY "CODES") I WOULD HAVE TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE BILL UNLESS THEY FIND SOMETHING WHICH I FEEL IS UNFAIR WHEN THE CAR IS 2 YEARS OLD WITH 40,000 MILES. I WAS THEN TOLD WHEN IT HAPPENS NEXT TIME... RECORD IT... *TR

NHTSA ODI #10606094

8,000 miles · Jun 24, 2014

Structure

Read full complaint

AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE FOR APPROXIMATELY 7500 MILES I NOTICE AN UNPLEASANT ODOR THAT SMELLS LIKE MELTED PLASTIC. IT'S NOT THE NEW CAR SMELL AND AT TIMES IT CAN MAKE ONE NAUSEOUS. IT IS INTENSIFIED WHEN ACCELERATED. AUGUST 2012 (PURCHASED THE VEHICLE JUNE 2012) REPORTED THE SMELL TO THE HYUNDAI SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT SPORT DURST. I WAS INFORMED THAT POSSIBLY A "PLASTIC BAG" HAS GOTTEN STUCK ON THE BOTTOM OF THE CAR AND WILL BURN OFF. DECEMBER 2012, I ONCE AGAIN INFORMED THEM OF THIS UNCOMFORTABLE SMELL. I CAN NOT RIDE IN THE VEHICLE WITH THE OUTSIDE AIR COMING IN BECAUSE I CAN SMELL THE MELTED PLASTIC NO MATTER WHAT STATE, CITY, OR TIME OF DAY THE NAUSEATING SMELL IS THERE. THE CABIN AIR FILTER HAS BEEN CHANGED, THE OIL HAS BEEN CHANGED AND THE WAY I DRIVE HAS BEEN CHANGED AND EVEN UNDER VERY SLOW ACCELERATION THE SMELL IS THERE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN JUNE 2013 AND STILL NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE. I NOR OTHER PASSENGERS OR OTHER DRIVERS SHOULD NOT HAVE TO SMELL THIS BURNT SMELL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10605565

72,917 miles · Jun 16, 2014

EngineService BrakesSteering

Read full complaint

MY FAMILY HAS A 2012 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WE STARTED EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE STALLING WHILE DRIVING IN 2013. THE CAR STALLED MULTIPLE TIMES ON CITY STREETS AND ONCE ON THE HIGHWAY. WHEN THE CAR STALLS, THE DRIVER LOSES POWER STEERING AND BRAKES. IT IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. AFTER THE THIRD TIME THE CAR STALLED WE TOOK IT IN FOR SERVICE IN APRIL OF 2013 TO THE LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP. THE TECHNICIAN RAN A COMPLETE DIAGNOSTIC AND SAID HE COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. WE REFUSED TO TAKE THE CAR AT THAT TIME AND INSISTED ON MORE TESTING. THEY DID FIND A PROBLEM. THEY REPLACED/REPAIRED THE ETC-ACTUATOR AND GASKET-THROTTLE BODY. THE CAR RAN FINE UNTIL LAST WEEK WHEN IT STARTED THE SAME PROBLEMS AGAIN. IT HAS STALLED FOUR TIMES IN THE LAST WEEK. THE LATEST STALL HAPPENED TODAY WHEN MY GIRLFRIEND WAS DRIVING THE CAR AT AROUND 30 MPH. IT ALSO STALLED LAST NIGHT WHEN I WAS DRIVING IT HOME AT ABOUT 25 MPH. I WAS ABLE TO GET TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND PUT THE CAR IN PARK. I TURNED THE KEY AND IT STARTED RIGHT UP AGAIN. WHEN IT STALLED ON ME, I LOST POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES. THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT WAS 9:48PM AND THE MILEAGE ON THE CAR WAS 72,917. IT WAS VERY SCARY. WE ARE TAKING CAR TO HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP TODAY FOR REPAIRS. WE DO NOT WANT TO DRIVE THIS CAR ANYMORE. IT IS UNSAFE AND A HAZARD. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10598590

22,985 miles · Jun 10, 2014

Engine And Engine CoolingService Brakes, HydraulicSteering

Read full complaint

1ST OF MANY TOTAL ENGINE DE-POWERMENTS HAPPENED AT A STOP SIGN, GOING APPROX.15 MPH. I HAD FILLED THE GAS TANK AND AT THE FIRST STOP SIGN I CAME TO, THE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON; AND IT DIED, POWERLESS. I COASTED TO MY DESTINATION (LESS THAN A BLOCK AWAY) AND CALLED MY SERVICE REP AT DANBURY HYUNDAI (CT). SHE TOLD ME IT WAS DUE TO AN INCORRECT GAS CAP REPLACEMENT, TO UNDO THE GAS CAP AND START THE CAR. IT WORKED. AFTER THE FIRST EPISODE, THIS ABSOLUTE POWERING DOWN OF EVERYTHING, BRAKE, STEERING, CONTROL; HAPPENED SO OFTEN, IT BECAME ROUTINE. GAS TANK FILLING HAD NO BEARING-BUT IT HAPPENED AT STOP LIGHTS OR STOP SIGNS, SO I WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND RESTART IT. ALL THAT CONFIDENCE EVAPORATED YESTERDAY. I WAS DUE TO GET ON THE HIGHWAY AND DRIVE ABOUT 45 MINUTES ON A COMBINATION OF HIGHWAY AND THRUWAY TO MY DAUGHTER'S. I WAS ON A BUSY LOCAL ROAD THAT PASSES THROUGH DANBURY WHEN THE CAR'S ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, WITHOUT ME BEING AT A STOP SIGN OR RED LIGHT, OR EVEN BRAKING FOR ANY REASON, AND I LOST ALL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THIS HAPPENS SO SUDDENLY, I MIGHT ADD, THAT YOU HAVE NO TIME TO EVEN ACTIVATE THE EMERGENCY FLASHERS, OR DO ANYTHING BESIDES GRAB THE WHEEL WITH BOTH HANDS AND TRY TO GET OVER AS FAR TO THE RIGHT AS POSSIBLE TO AVOID BEING HIT FROM BEHIND. I NARROWLY ESCAPED BEING REAR ENDED BY A DUMP TRUNK DIRECTLY BEHIND ME. I PUT THE CAR INTO PARK, STARTED IT UP, AND CALLED MY SERVICE DEPT. AT HYUNDAI. I EXPLAINED THAT THIS HAPPENED AGAIN, SINCE I HAD ORIGINALLY TOLD THEM WHEN I HAD THE CAR SERVICED IN MAY OF 2014, AND THEY HAD TOLD ME THEN, THAT THEY COULDN'T DUPLICATE IT, SO THEY COULDN'T FIX IT. I EXPLAINED THAT HAD I BEEN ALREADY ON THE THRUWAY I WOULD BE DEAD INSTEAD OF ON THE PHONE. I CAME HOME CALLED MY LAWYER AND FOUND HIS ADVICE SO HELPFUL, I'M SHARING IT. GO TO BBB.COM, AUTO LINE. THEY OFFER ARBITRATION AT 0$.

NHTSA ODI #10598194

Official recalls

20V746000 · Engine

Dec 1, 2020

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Veloster, 2012 Santa Fe, 2011-2013 Sonata Hybrid, and 2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which over time can result in engine damage.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine. If bearing damage is found, the engine will be replaced. Dealers will also install a software update containing a new Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 198.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

DP22003 · Loss Of Motive Power

Opened Sep 12, 2022 · Closed Dec 12, 2023

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing. There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

EA21003 · Engine Fires

Opened Dec 22, 2021 · Closed Feb 5, 2024

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine

On March 29, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened two Preliminary Evaluations (PE19-003 on Hyundai and PE19-004 on Kia) to broadly investigate incidents of non-crash fires (regardless of origin or operational status of the vehicle) on various model year Hyundai and Kia vehicles. During the PE investigations, Hyundai and Kia issued several recalls to address vehicle fires, including those due to engine failures involving various engine types. The remedies for the engine failure recalls typically involve engine inspection (to detect existing damage), and if necessary, engine replacement. Additionally, both manufacturers have been installing an engine control software modification known as Knock Sensor Detection Software (KSDS) which is intended to detect impending engine failure, alert the driver, and limit engine power (to lessen likelihood of engine failure).KSDS is being installed under recalls and non-safety field actions, and both companies have extended limited engine warranties (see recall files). On December 22, 2021, ODI upgraded PE19-003 and PE19-004 to this Engineering Analysis (EA21-003, covering both Hyundai and Kia) to evaluate the scope of the prior recalls related to engine failures/fires and the efficacy of the recall remedies for the recalls, as well as the long-term viability of related programs and non-safety field actions being conducted by Hyundai and Kia. The former issue involved approximately 550,000 MY 2013 Hyundai Elantra, MY 2011 Kia Sorento, and MY 2012-2015 Kia Rio. The latter issue involved approximately 2.5 million recalled vehicles, which have been identified as displaying potential remedy concerns: Hyundai recalls 15V-568, 17V-226, 20V-746, and 21V-727; and Kia recalls 17V-224, 19V-120, 20V-750, and 21V-844. Regarding the recall scope issue, among all of the scope vehicles identified at EA opening, ODI found only the MY 2011 Kia Sorento vehicles equipped with both the Theta II 2.4L 4-cylinder Multi-Point Injection (MPI) and the Lambda II 3.5L 6-cylinder MPI engines experienced relatively high rates of reported fires. In December 2023, Kia issued recall 23V-877 that will cover about 80,000 MY 2011 Kia Sorento vehicles equipped with the Theta II 2.4L MPI engines. The remedy will involve an inspection, and if necessary, a replacement of the engine, as well as the installation of KSDS. It should be noted that in 2021 these vehicles were included in a KSDS product improvement campaign with warranty extension. For the MY 2011 Sorento vehicles equipped with the Lambda II 3.5L engines, ODI believes that future engine failures/fires involving these vehicles will likely be due to a lax in adhering to the proper or scheduled engine maintenance (regular engine oil changes), rather than a design or manufacturing engine issue. Regarding the issue of the efficacy of the recall remedies, ODI found the majority of the recalled Hyundai and Kia vehicles, by model, experienced lower reported fire rates after the remedies were applied. Furthermore, ODI found that for most vehicles that did not receive the recall remedies, by model, experienced relatively high fire rates. To address this problem, Hyundai informed ODI in December 2023, that it will renotify all of its owners covered by the Hyundai recalls of engine failures/fires every 8 months for the next 3 years. In December 2023, Kia stated that it will renotify the majority of its owners every 8 months for the next 3 years.Several previously recalled Kia models are excluded from the renotification due to their lower reported rates of engine fires. Overall, the renotification actions will help to increase the recall completion rates, thus reduce the frequency of engine fires in the future. In view of the recall action being taken by Kia and renotification actions being taken by both Kia and Hyundai, ODI is closing this Engineering Analysis. Also, both companies have been released from the 2020-iniated Consent Orders (Kia since November 2022 and Hyundai since November 2023). The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

DP21003 · Throttle Control System Vulnerabilities

Opened Nov 12, 2021 · Closed Jun 20, 2023

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:throttle

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a petition letter dated October 10, 2021, requesting an investigation of possible defects in the electronic throttle control (ETC) system on certain Kia vehicles resulting in the opening of DP21-003. Accordingly, Model Year (MY) 2005-2016 Kia Optima/K5, MY 2006-2015 Kia Sorento, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Elantra, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Santa Fe, MY 2006-2015 Hyundai Sonatas are all part of the subject population. The petition was originally filed as a Vehicle Owner Questionnaire that can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under reference (ODI) number 11439675.On November 12, 2021, ODI opened Defect Petition DP21-003 to evaluate the petitioner?s request. ODI performed trend analyses of the VOQs related to vehicle speed control issues for all the subject vehicles and found that none of the 52 Model/Model Year Hyundai/Kia vehicles demonstrated any actionable trend that warranted an investigation.Petitioners submitted 1119 VOQs and non-VOQ cases in which sudden uncommanded acceleration (SUA) or loss of motive power (LOMP) incidents were alleged.For the 1119 reports, 220 were incidents involving crashes, from which 69 subject Hyundai-Kia vehicles were inspected by Hyundai/Kia dealer technicians, Hyundai/Kia engineers, and/or third-party representatives.ODI found the inspections identified no vehicle defects related to the ETC system.Of the 220 crash-involved reports, 13 Event Data Recorder (EDR) records were downloaded successfully and 11 of those indicated driver error: (i.e.) pedal misapplication.A condition where the accelerator pedal is mistakenly applied instead of the brake pedal when the driver wants to stop the vehicle.In addition, ODI reviewed a scientific journal paper published in Forensic Science International in 2016 by Mr. Park et al ., as well as related test videos. ODI does not believe there is any evidence of uncontrollable SUA occurrences in any of the tests reviewed. NHTSA's Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (OVSC) reviewed the allegations regarding the potential noncompliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 124.Based on the information provided, the Agency concludes there is insufficient information for us to determine if a possible non-compliance exists.Finally, both Hyundai and Kia informed ODI that all their vehicles manufactured after 2012 were equipped with an ETC management system, in which the engine speed will go to idle when the system sees signals from both the brake pedal and accelerator pedal at the same time; this is commonly known as the brake-throttle override system.After thoroughly assessing the material submitted by the petitioner, information already in NHTSA's possession, information submitted by Hyundai and Kia in response to an Information Request letter, and the potential risks to safety implicated by the petitioner's allegation, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. After full consideration of appropriate factors, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA?s reasons for denial of the petition will be published.

PE19003 · Non-crash Vehicle Fires

Opened Mar 29, 2019 · Closed Dec 22, 2021

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System; Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery; Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery:cables; Electrical System:alternator/generator/regulator; Electrical System:starter Assembly; Electrical System:starter Assembly:relay; Electrical System:starter Assembly:solenoid; Electrical System:wiring; Electrical System:wiring: Rear Compartment/trunk; Electrical System:wiring:front Underhood; Electrical System:wiring:fuses And Circuit Breakers; Electrical System:wiring:interior/under Dash; Engine; Engine And Engine Cooling; Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System; Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:fan; Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:hoses/lines/piping/fittings; Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:radiator Assembly; Engine And Engine Cooling:engine; Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:diesel; Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline; Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:belts And Associated Pulleys; Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/supercharger; Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:other Fuel Types:turbo/supercharger; Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System; Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control ; Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:catalytic Convertor; Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:crankcase (pcv); Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:gas Recirculation Valve (egr Valve); Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe; Exterior Lighting; Exterior Lighting:back Up Lights; Exterior Lighting:back Up Lights:switch; Exterior Lighting:brake Lights; Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch; Exterior Lighting:fog Lights; Exterior Lighting:fog Lights:switch; Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights; Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights:switch; Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights:unit; Exterior Lighting:headlights; Exterior Lighting:headlights:concealment Devices; Exterior Lighting:headlights:high/low Beam Dimmer Switch; Exterior Lighting:headlights:switch; Exterior Lighting:tail Lights; Exterior Lighting:tail Lights:switch; Exterior Lighting:turn Signal; Exterior Lighting:turn Signal:flasher Unit; Exterior Lighting:turn Signal:switch; Fuel System, Gasoline; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings; Unknown Or Other

During this Preliminary Evaluation (PE), the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) assessed the scope, frequency and potential safety-related consequences of non-crash vehicle fires caused by both engine failures and failures of other vehicle systems/components in model year (MY) 2011-2014 Hyundai Sonata and Santa Fe vehicles equipped with Theta II and Lambda II engines (approximately 1.3 million vehicles). ODI also reviewed field data of other Hyundai vehicles equipped with Theta II, Gamma, Nu and Lambda engines (approximately 4.8 million). As a result of this PE, Hyundai has issued NHTSA Recalls 20V-746 and 21V-727 to address potential engine failures and fires in certain Hyundai vehicles equipped with various engine types. Additional information on these and other related recall actions is available in the downloadable version of this resume available at NHTSA.gov. In addition, ODI has upgraded this PE to an Engineering Analysis (EA) 21-003 which will focus on potential recall scope concerns and recall remedy concerns related to the engine failure rewlated recalls mentioned above and conducted previously. See the EA21-003 Opening Resume available at NHTSA.gov for more information. Also available in the downloadable version of this resume is a list of the reference numbers for the 302 ODI reports, or Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs), cited above which ODI received through mid-November 2021. Note that the Manufacturer reports cited above are customer complaints received through March 2019.

Additional source detail variants (432)

Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery:cables

Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery

Electrical System:alternator/generator/regulator

Electrical System

Electrical System:starter Assembly

Electrical System:starter Assembly:relay

Electrical System:starter Assembly:solenoid

Electrical System:wiring:front Underhood

Electrical System:wiring:fuses And Circuit Breakers

Electrical System:wiring

Electrical System:wiring:interior/under Dash

Electrical System:wiring: Rear Compartment/trunk

Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:fan

Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:hoses/lines/piping/fittings

Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System

Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:radiator Assembly

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:diesel

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:belts And Associated Pulleys

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/supercharger

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:other Fuel Types:turbo/supercharger

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:catalytic Convertor

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:crankcase (pcv)

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:gas Recirculation Valve (egr Valve)

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe

Engine And Engine Cooling

Engine

Exterior Lighting:back Up Lights

Exterior Lighting:back Up Lights:switch

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch

Exterior Lighting:fog Lights

Exterior Lighting:fog Lights:switch

Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights

Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights:switch

Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights:unit

Exterior Lighting:headlights:concealment Devices

Exterior Lighting:headlights:high/low Beam Dimmer Switch

Exterior Lighting:headlights

Exterior Lighting:headlights:switch

Exterior Lighting

Exterior Lighting:tail Lights

Exterior Lighting:tail Lights:switch

Exterior Lighting:turn Signal:flasher Unit

Exterior Lighting:turn Signal

Exterior Lighting:turn Signal:switch

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery

Fuel System, Gasoline

Unknown Or Other

DP18003 · Non-crash Vehicle Fires

Opened Aug 21, 2018 · Closed May 10, 2019

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System; Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/panel; Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery; Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery:cables; Electrical System:alternator/generator/regulator; Electrical System:ignition; Electrical SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL Module; Electrical System:ignition:module; Electrical System:ignition:switch; Electrical System:propulsion System:traction Battery; Electrical System:starter Assembly; Electrical System:starter Assembly:relay; Electrical System:starter Assembly:solenoid; Electrical System:wiring; Electrical System:wiring: Rear Compartment/trunk; Electrical System:wiring:front Underhood; Electrical System:wiring:fuses And Circuit Breakers; Electrical System:wiring:interior/under Dash; Engine; Engine And Engine Cooling; Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System; Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:fan; Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:hoses/lines/piping/fittings; Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:radiator Assembly; Engine And Engine Cooling:engine; Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline; Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:belts And Associated Pulleys; Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/supercharger; Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:other Fuel Types:turbo/supercharger; Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System; Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control ; Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:catalytic Convertor; Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:crankcase (pcv); Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:gas Recirculation Valve (egr Valve); Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe; Exterior Lighting:brake Lights; Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch; Exterior Lighting:fog Lights; Exterior Lighting:fog Lights:switch; Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights; Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights:switch; Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights:unit; Exterior Lighting:headlights; Exterior Lighting:headlights:concealment Devices; Exterior Lighting:headlights:high/low Beam Dimmer Switch; Exterior Lighting:headlights:switch; Exterior Lighting:tail Lights; Exterior Lighting:tail Lights:switch; Exterior Lighting:turn Signal; Exterior Lighting:turn Signal:flasher Unit; Exterior Lighting:turn Signal:switch; Unknown Or Other

In a letter dated June 11, 2018, the Center for Auto Safety (CAS) petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to initiate a safety defect investigation into non-collision related fires on model year (MY) 2011-2014 Kia Optima and Sorento, and Hyundai Sonata and Santa Fe vehicles. In a letter dated July 24, 2018, CAS requested that MY 2010-2015 Kia Soul vehicles be added to the petition. CAS stated that there is a higher number of complaints to NHTSA regarding non-crash fires on these vehicles compared to other similar vehicles. The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) had already opened Recall Queries (RQ17-003 and RQ17-004) on all Kia and Hyundai vehicles equipped with Theta II engines for engine failures that may cause stalling and fires.The queries cover most of the petition subject Optima, Sorento, Sonata, and Santa Fe vehicles but not any of the subject Soul vehicles.On August 21, 2018, ODI opened a Defect Petition (DP18-003) to evaluate whether to grant or deny the CAS petition. ODI sent Information Request letters to Kia and Hyundai (September and October 2018) requesting information on all engine and non-engine related fires in the petition vehicles.ODI performed extensive analysis on the information obtained from Kia and Hyundai. During the DP18-003 analysis, Kia and Hyundai each initiated three additional safety recalls related to engine compartment fires on certain petitioned and non-petitioned vehicles (nearly 740,000 total vehicles: Recalls 18V-907, 18V-934, 19V-101, 19V-063, 19V-120, and 19V-204). Based on ODI?s review of the applicable materials, including responses to Information Requests sent to multiple manufacturers, Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQ), and Early Warning Data, NHTSA decided to grant the petition.The CAS petition was granted on March 29, 2019. Preliminary Evaluations (PE19-003 on Hyundai and PE19-004 on Kia) have been opened to assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety-related consequences of alleged defects relating to non-collision vehicle fires in the 2011-2014 Kia Optima and Sorento, 2011-2014 Hyundai Sonata and Santa Fe, and 2010-2015 Kia Soul.Attached is a list of the reference numbers for the 404 VOQs cited above.

Additional source detail variants (208)

Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery:cables

Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery

Electrical System:alternator/generator/regulator

Electrical System

Electrical SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL Module

Electrical System:ignition

Electrical System:ignition:module

Electrical System:ignition:switch

Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/panel

Electrical System:propulsion System:traction Battery

Electrical System:starter Assembly

Electrical System:starter Assembly:relay

Electrical System:starter Assembly:solenoid

Electrical System:wiring:front Underhood

Electrical System:wiring:fuses And Circuit Breakers

Electrical System:wiring

Electrical System:wiring:interior/under Dash

Electrical System:wiring: Rear Compartment/trunk

Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:fan

Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:hoses/lines/piping/fittings

Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System

Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:radiator Assembly

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:belts And Associated Pulleys

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/supercharger

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:other Fuel Types:turbo/supercharger

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:catalytic Convertor

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:crankcase (pcv)

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:gas Recirculation Valve (egr Valve)

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe

Engine And Engine Cooling

Engine

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch

Exterior Lighting:fog Lights

Exterior Lighting:fog Lights:switch

Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights

Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights:switch

Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights:unit

Exterior Lighting:headlights:concealment Devices

Exterior Lighting:headlights:high/low Beam Dimmer Switch

Exterior Lighting:headlights

Exterior Lighting:headlights:switch

Exterior Lighting:tail Lights

Exterior Lighting:tail Lights:switch

Exterior Lighting:turn Signal:flasher Unit

Exterior Lighting:turn Signal

Exterior Lighting:turn Signal:switch

Unknown Or Other

RQ17004 · Scope And Timeliness

Opened May 18, 2017 · Closed Dec 22, 2021

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine

NHTSA opened Recall Query (RQ) 17-004 to investigate the timeliness and scope of Hyundai?s Theta II GDI engine recalls (Recall Nos. 15V-568 and 17V-226), and Hyundai?s compliance with reporting requirements. On November 23, 2020, the Agency entered into a Consent Order with Hyundai to administratively resolve NHTSA?s assertions of violations of law in connection with RQ17-004. NHTSA?s assertions included that Hyundai may be liable for civil penalties on multiple grounds, including the untimeliness of Recall Nos. 15V-568 and 17V-226, inaccuracies in Hyundai?s recall reports, and that a required report describing potential safety-related issues contained certain inaccuracies or omissions.Under the Consent Order, Hyundai agreed to a total civil penalty of $140,000,000. The total civil penalty included payment of $54,000,000 as a Non-Deferred Amount. Hyundai also agreed to a sum of $46,000,000 as an Abeyance Amount to be deferred and held in abeyance pending its satisfactory completion, as reasonably determined by NHTSA, of the requirements of the Consent Order.Additionally, Hyundai agreed to a $40,000,000 Performance Obligation Amount to be expended by Hyundai to fulfill specified Safety Data Analytics Infrastructure obligations and Test and Inspection Laboratory obligations. The Consent Order also includes other terms designed to enhance Hyundai?s safety practices, and requires Hyundai to retain a Third-Party Auditor who directly reports to NHTSA.Other than RQ17-004, the Consent Order is not intended to affect any other current or future investigation which may involve vehicles equipped with Theta II GDI engines. In particular, Engineering Analysis (EA) 21-003 (which is upgraded from Preliminary Evaluation (PE) 19-003) continues NHTSA?s evaluation of certain performance and design issues relating to the Theta II and other engines.Nothing in the Consent Order discharges Hyundai from any obligation to comply with the Safety Act or regulations thereunder, including the obligation to carry out recalls in accordance with law, and to initiate a recall upon any future determination by Hyundai, or upon any finally adjudicated order from NHTSA, that vehicles equipped with Theta II GDI engines contain a defect related to motor vehicle safety or do not comply with an applicable FMVSS.This RQ is closed. Closure of this RQ has no bearing on the terms of the Consent Order, including Hyundai's ongoing performance obligations, and does not represent a determination by the agency as to Hyundai?s performance under the Consent Order to date.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Engine